Robert Lawrence “Bob” Cangelosi, 82, of Baton Rouge, died peacefully and comfortably Saturday afternoon, May 28th, in his home while his daughter and son were holding his hands and reciting the “Our Father”. He was born to Roe and Min Cangelosi on September 5, 1939, in Baton Rouge. He was reared and schooled in Baton Rouge, attending St. Agnes Elementary School, Catholic High School (1957 graduate), LSU (Accounting major, 1961 graduate), and LSU Law School (law doctorate, 1964 graduate). He also served in the U.S. Army in 1957 and in the U.S. Army Reserve into the 1960s.
After Bob returned to Baton Rouge from his full time Army service, he met Frances Pecora for the first time at the bowling alley on January 18, 1958. Bob was so smitten with Frances that he brought Frances to meet his mother the same day they met. They were married on September 9, 1961. They had four children, Robby, Colleen, Ricky, and Randy. Bob and Frances lived in Baton Rouge for 57 of their 60 years of marriage.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Roe and Min, his older brothers Roy (Helen), Marion (Jerry), and his oldest child, Robert Lawrence “Robby” Cangelosi, Jr. He is survived by three children, Colleen Cangelosi Coffman (husband Tracy Coffman), Richard Guy “Ricky” Cangelosi (wife Nicole), and Randal Roe “Randy” Cangelosi (wife Korie), and his sister Carolyn (Swatty). He is also survived by ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately referred to him as “Pops”: Michael “Mac” Cangelosi (wife Kelsie), Chase Cangelosi, Blaine Coffman, Jonathan Cangelosi, Matthew Cangelosi, Clay Coffman, Catherine Cangelosi, Michael Cangelosi, Lyndie Coffman, and Patrick Cangelosi. Mac and Kelsie’s daughter, Lily, and son, Roe, have started the next generation.
After graduating from law school, Bob proudly became a member of the bar in 1964. He was a solo practitioner from 1964 to 1992, many of those years spent practicing out of the offices of Baton Rouge Bank where he also served as a board member. Bob was a clever and pensive attorney, known for his impeccable contracts and highly ethical conduct. He then worked for Resolution Trust Corporation as its Ethics Officer from 1992-1996, with three of these years in Atlanta. Bob retired early from the active practice of law in 1996, but became bored and eventually resumed working as an attorney as a Contract specialist for Louisiana Economic Development (LED) in 2001. Of all of his jobs and occupations, Bob was most happy and proud when working with the fine people of LED, managing LED’s legal activities and advising on legislation, rules, and contracts, all the while knowing that LED’s mission was to create and cultivate jobs and economic opportunities for Louisiana citizens. Bob worked for LED for over 20 years and was still employed full time there when he died. Bob also lit up when remembering his days in his spare time as a Dale Carnegie instructor for many years.
Bob was an exceptionally devout Catholic, a long-time parishioner of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and as parishioner since 1984 of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Bob loved God, Jesus, his family, action films, and meal time. During his final weeks, Bob was comforted by his faith and being near his family in his home. Aside from his love of his family and food, Bob had an affection for the Holy Rosary and for St. Jude the Apostle.
The family wishes to thank Home Instead Senior Care and Clarity Hospice for their excellent care, warmth, and professional services. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East at 11000 Florida Blvd. on Thursday, June 2nd from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Friday, June 3rd at 10:00 am, with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. Burial will follow thereafter at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his eight grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his most desired place beyond his home, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at olomchurch.com.
We love you, Pops. Please hug Mom and Robby for us.
